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Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Cultures on show at Matariki event
Dancers become a blur of colour as the Clutha Filipino Society celebrates the fellowship of Pacific peoples during last year's Matariki event in Balclutha. PHOTO: NICK BROOK Clutha is celebrating Matariki in style next Thursday, giving South Otago people the opportunity to take a deep dive into the district's diverse cultures. The Puaka Matariki Iwikatea Cultural Celebration takes place at Te Pou Ō Mata-Au/Clutha District War Memorial community centre in Balclutha from 10am to 8pm next Thursday, comprising performances, feasting and workshops for all ages. Event spokeswoman Tiffany Jenks said organisers wanted to build on the success of last year's inaugural event, which had exceeded expectations. "We had so many people turn up last year, which was fantastic. We've changed the format slightly this year, replacing the market with a series of workshops showcasing and teaching traditional Māori cultural practices, so we hope this will be even more engaging for everyone who comes along." Workshops included taiaha/rākau combat/ceremonial techniques; Otago Museum's interactive star dome; harakeke (flax) weaving; toki (tool/ornament) making; Māori instrument playing; rongoā Māori medicinal plant use; and ngā taonga tākaro (Māori games). They would run between 3pm and 5pm. Spaces were limited, meaning interest should be registered early. "We're very excited to have the expertise from seven fabulous tutors at the Puaka Matariki event this year, and hope as many people as possible get the chance to take part." A Puaka Matariki arts and crafts competition was also running in parallel with the event, open to those 18 years old and under. The day would celebrate all cultures which had stepped up to take part. "The event is aimed at fostering a sense of community and inclusion and to provide a platform of local artists, performers and cultural groups to showcase their talents and heritage. "Alongside our Māori workshops and kapa haka from some of our local schools, we have representatives of our Filipino, Pasifika and Kiribati communities performing live for audiences. "We're looking forward to seeing everybody out together for this winter celebration."
Otago Daily Times
26-04-2025
- Science
- Otago Daily Times
Waitaki geopark feature of wild festival
Waitaki Whitestone Geopark geoscientist Sasha Morriss speaks during the 7×7 Wild Talks event for the Wild Dunedin — New Zealand Festival of Nature. PHOTO: SUPPLIED The 10th annual Wild Dunedin New Zealand Festival of Nature had a North Otago flavour with the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark featuring in the 12-day festival. The festival began on April 10 with the 7×7 Wild Talks event at the Otago Museum. Geoscientist Sasha Morriss, on behalf of the Unesco Waitaki Whitestone Geopark, was one of seven invited speakers to the 2025 theme of geology. Mrs Morriss said it was great for the geopark to be invited. "It was a great opportunity to speak to a wider audience, the auditorium itself was packed. "We really enjoy being a part of these bigger events and telling people the stories of the geopark. "It was nice to also talk in Dunedin, where people can come visit for a day." She outlined the journey to formalise the geopark and how it can be a platform to tell stories. "While geoparks are based on geology of international significance, they are a platform for many, many other stories to be told." Vanished World was also included in the festival with a display at the Nature Dome at Forsyth Barr Stadium last weekend. The festival concluded this week.
Otago Daily Times
26-04-2025
- Science
- Otago Daily Times
Festival features geopark
Waitaki Whitestone Geopark geoscientist Sasha Morriss speaks during the 7×7 Wild Talks event for the Wild Dunedin — New Zealand Festival of Nature. PHOTO: SUPPLIED The 10th annual Wild Dunedin New Zealand Festival of Nature had a North Otago flavour with the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark featuring in the 12-day festival. The festival began on April 10 with the 7×7 Wild Talks event at the Otago Museum. Geoscientist Sasha Morriss, on behalf of the Unesco Waitaki Whitestone Geopark, was one of seven invited speakers to the 2025 theme of geology. Mrs Morriss said it was great for the geopark to be invited. "It was a great opportunity to speak to a wider audience, the auditorium itself was packed. "We really enjoy being a part of these bigger events and telling people the stories of the geopark. "It was nice to also talk in Dunedin, where people can come visit for a day." She outlined the journey to formalise the geopark and how it can be a platform to tell stories. "While geoparks are based on geology of international significance, they are a platform for many, many other stories to be told." Vanished World was also included in the festival with a display at the Nature Dome at Forsyth Barr Stadium last weekend. The festival concluded this week.
